Photo by Lester Smith
The men of the WNA Male Chorus of Suffield’s Third Baptist Church sang an impressive gospel medley at the September 25 afternoon concert of the Copper Hill United Methodist Church in East Granby. From the left, toward the climax of their “Amazing Grace” are: William Hill, Trystan Cauley, Jerome Hill, William Bowen, and Gregory Stewart. At far left, a signer fulfills the experience for several hearing-handicapped visitors.
The Copper Hill United Methodist Church continued the celebration of their 200th Anniversary with a music concert on Sunday, September 25. Participants from at least eight different churches joined in with joyous instrumental, vocal, and choral offerings.
Music ranged from the 1848 Shaker tune, “Simple Gifts” for flute and harp, to the contemporary style of vocalist/pianist Joanne Firla in “Faithful,” a song she wrote especially for the occasion. A patriotic theme was present in several pieces: the brass quartet versions of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “God of Our Fathers,” and also in the flute/piano rendering of “America the Beautiful,” all arranged by organizer JoAnne D. Jones. Other musicians included a guitar ensemble led by Laura Mazza-Dixon, a men’s gospel group from Third Baptist Church in Suffield, the Copper Hill Choir, and other vocalists. A narrator introduced each selection with a historical background sketch.
Local churches represented included the West Granby United Methodist Church, Life Church and South Congregational Church of Granby, East Granby Congregational Church, Third Baptist Church and First Church of Christ of Suffield.
Pastor Kelvin S. Jones remarked, “We are thankful for all those who were a part of it. It will no doubt be one of the highlights among the 200th celebration events for our church.”